Experience the magic of the holiday season in Anaheim, CA, where festive activities and enchanting events await! From the dazzling Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade featuring beloved characters in holiday attire to Knott's Merry Farm blending Old West charm with yuletide cheer, Anaheim brims with holiday spirit.
Don't miss the chance to marvel at the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where decorated yachts illuminate the harbor in a maritime spectacle. Anaheim's diverse holiday offerings provide unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors alike.
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The Top Christmas Events in Anaheim
See these and even more events listed below!Anaheim Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic Disney characters in holiday attire
Description:
Disneyland's Christmas Fantasy Parade dazzles with beloved characters donning festive attire. Mickey and friends glide down Main Street U.S.A. on elaborate floats, accompanied by skilled dancers and performers. The parade's roots trace back to 1955, evolving into a cherished holiday tradition. Visitors can secure prime viewing spots along the route to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself. The air fills with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread as the procession passes by, immersing you in the spirit of the season.
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Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade
Nearby Events
Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
What to Expect:
Old West-themed Christmas celebration
Description:
Knott's Berry Farm transforms into Knott's Merry Farm, blending Old West charm with holiday cheer. The Ghost Town area bustles with artisans demonstrating traditional crafts, while carolers in period costumes serenade visitors. Rooted in the park's history as a berry farm, this event pays homage to simpler times. Guests can participate in a holiday cookie decorating workshop, creating edible masterpieces. The Calico Mine Ride takes on a festive twist, illuminating the night with thousands of twinkling lights.
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
What to Expect:
Extravagant yacht decorations
Description:
Newport Beach's Christmas Boat Parade illuminates the harbor with a flotilla of decorated vessels. Yachts, boats, and kayaks adorned with elaborate light displays and themed decorations cruise the waterfront. This maritime spectacle dates back to 1907, making it one of the oldest holiday boat parades in the country. Spectators line the shores to witness the procession, while the gentle lapping of waves provides a soothing backdrop. You can even book a spot on one of the participating boats for an immersive experience.
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade (Huntington Beach)
What to Expect:
Intimate community-driven boat parade
Description:
Huntington Harbour's Boat Parade offers a more intimate alternative to larger coastal events. Local residents deck out their vessels in dazzling lights and decorations, creating a floating festival of color. This community-driven parade began in the 1960s as a small neighborhood celebration. Visitors can stroll along the harbor's edge, taking in the reflections of twinkling lights on the calm waters. The event culminates with a special award ceremony recognizing the most creative and impressive boat designs.
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Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train (Orange)
What to Expect:
Scenic train ride through illuminated wilderness
Description:
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train whisks passengers through a winter wonderland nestled in the heart of Orange County. This unique journey winds through the historic Irvine Regional Park, established in 1897. Twinkling lights and festive displays line the tracks, transforming the natural landscape. Riders can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa before boarding the train. The gentle clickety-clack of wheels on rails adds a nostalgic touch to the experience, transporting you to a simpler time.
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Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade (Dana Point)
What to Expect:
Whale-watching boats join the festivities
Description:
Dana Point Harbor's Boat Parade stands out with its inclusion of whale-watching vessels adorned in holiday splendor. This unique twist pays homage to the area's reputation as the "Whale Watching Capital of the West." The parade illuminates the harbor, creating a mesmerizing display reflected in the calm waters. Visitors can explore the harbor's shops and restaurants before the parade begins. The event also features a special "Boat Parade of Lights" category, encouraging participants to push the boundaries of nautical illumination.
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Sawdust Art Festival's Winter Fantasy (Laguna Beach)
What to Expect:
Artist-created holiday village
Description:
Laguna Beach's Sawdust Art Festival transforms into a Winter Fantasy, showcasing the works of over 150 local artisans. This artist-created holiday village pops with creativity, featuring unique handcrafted gifts and live demonstrations. The festival's roots trace back to 1967, embodying the bohemian spirit of Laguna Beach. Visitors can create their own art pieces in hands-on workshops led by skilled craftspeople. The scent of pine mingles with the salty ocean air, creating an invigorating atmosphere for artistic exploration.
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Sawdust Art Festival's Winter Fantasy
Queen Mary Christmas (Long Beach)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration aboard a historic ocean liner
Description:
The Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner, hosts a unique holiday celebration that blends nautical history with seasonal cheer. This floating festival takes place aboard a ship that once carried Hollywood celebrities across the Atlantic. Visitors can explore elaborately decorated decks, each with a different theme. The ship's horn bellows across the harbor, adding a maritime touch to traditional carols. Guests have the opportunity to ice skate on a rink with panoramic views of the Long Beach skyline.
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Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms (Irvine)
What to Expect:
Farm-to-table holiday experience with Japanese influence
Description:
Tanaka Farms' Hikari Festival of Lights offers a unique farm-to-table holiday experience with a Japanese twist. This working farm transforms into a luminous display, honoring the Japanese word "hikari," meaning light or shine. Visitors can take a tractor ride through glowing fields of seasonal crops. The event pays homage to the farm's Japanese-American heritage, which dates back to 1940. Guests can sample farm-fresh produce prepared with holiday flair, connecting the agricultural roots of the land with the spirit of the season.
Website:
Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms
Brea Downtown Holiday Lighting Celebration (Brea)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm meets modern holiday spectacle
Description:
Brea's Downtown Holiday Lighting Celebration combines small-town charm with a dazzling light display. This event transforms the heart of Brea into a glittering spectacle, with thousands of lights adorning trees and buildings. Rooted in the city's history as an oil boomtown, the celebration now showcases Brea's modern, artistic flair. Visitors can join a community sing-along, belting out holiday classics beneath the twinkling lights. Local shops and eateries stay open late, offering special holiday treats and unique gift ideas.
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Brea Downtown Holiday Lighting Celebration
Pasadena Holiday Look-In Home Tour (Pasadena)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Pasadena's Holiday Look In Home Tour offers a glimpse into the city's architectural heritage through festively adorned historic homes. This self-guided experience showcases the unique character of Pasadena's residential treasures, many dating back to the early 20th century. Visitors can explore lavishly decorated interiors, each home telling its own story through holiday decor. The tour benefits the Pasadena Symphony, connecting the visual arts with the city's rich musical tradition. You'll discover hidden architectural gems while soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
Website:
Pasadena Holiday Look-In Home Tour
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge)
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations in a botanical setting
Description:
Descanso Gardens' Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the botanical oasis into an illuminated wonderland. This one-mile walk features large-scale light installations that interact with the natural landscape. The event highlights the gardens' diverse plant collections, which have been cultivated since 1937. Visitors can manipulate some of the light displays, creating their own colorful scenes amidst ancient oaks and flowering camellias. The gentle sounds of nature mix with subtle music, creating an immersive nighttime experience.
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Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
The Nutcracker by American Ballet Theatre (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance of a holiday classic
Description:
The American Ballet Theatre brings its acclaimed production of The Nutcracker to Southern California. This rendition of the beloved holiday ballet features intricate costumes, elaborate sets, and world-class dancers. The performance draws on the rich history of the American Ballet Theatre, founded in 1939. Audiences can marvel at the technical prowess of the dancers as they bring Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life. The theater fills with the sweet strains of the Sugar Plum Fairy's dance, transporting you to a world of holiday fantasy.
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The Nutcracker by American Ballet Theatre
OC Winter Fest (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect:
Snow-filled winter activities in sunny Southern California
Description:
OC Winter Fest brings a touch of winter wonder to sunny Orange County. This event features real snow attractions, including tubing slides and a play area for snowman building. The festival pays homage to California's diverse climate, offering a rare opportunity for snow play near the beach. Visitors can glide across an ice skating rink surrounded by palm trees, creating a uniquely Southern Californian winter scene. The aroma of freshly baked pretzels wafts through the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.